Two YFC members are looking forward to getting an insight into the future of farming thanks to the Worshipful Company of Farmers’ NFYFC scholarship.

Lee Pritchard from Glamorgan FYFC and Amy Panton from Cumbria FYFC will be attending the Oxford Farming Conference in January where they will get the chance to be a part of the debate during a crucial time for the industry.

This year’s event is called a World of Opportunity and both Lee and Amy will get to hear from inspirational speakers, take part in fringe sessions with industry leaders, listen to Government speakers and network with people from across the sector.

Every year, the Worshipful Company of Farmers supports two YFC members to attend the conference – and any YFC member can apply.

Judges said that this year’s field of candidates has been exceptionally strong and that they were impressed with their backgrounds, enthusiasm and involvement in the industry.

Amy, who is a Technical Manager and Livestock Procurement Manager for Dunbia Cumbria, said: “I’m really pleased to be able to attend this event. I want to get a greater understanding of how we can all work together to share our knowledge and collaborate as an industry.”

Judges said that Amy’s application showed that she is focused on the need to plan for the future and the changes that the industry must face up to.

Lee didn’t grow up on a farm but has now been made a partner in the farming business he has worked at for ten years and the judges were impressed with the diversity this background represents.

Lee said: “It’s going to be a good opportunity for us to learn from other people. With Brexit coming up, this will hopefully be a gateway to learning what the future might hold.”

Lee and Amy both said the application process was really simple. Amy said: “I saw it advertised on social media and then I just had to answer the questions and send in my CV. It didn’t take very long.”

The Oxford Farming Conference takes place between 2-4 January and a full conference ticket costs £295. For more information about the event, visit the website.